Lifestyle

You know how we once said we barely had any time to watch everything on Netflix?

Yeah, I think someone up there took us seriously and have given us way too much time on our hands. It’s kind of a good job that I hadn’t binge-watched anything so have had plenty to watch. One of the things I love about Netflix is that it’s constantly adding new TV shows and films to the site.

You even have originals to love as well!

We’re a week into May and I thought it was the perfect time to share what I’m planning to watch throughout the month. Some of these are out and some of them are coming out later on!

Films

The Half of It

When smart but cash-strapped teen Ellie Chu agrees to write a love letter for a jock, she doesn’t expect to become his friend – fall for his crush.

As soon as I saw the trailer for this film, it was immediately added to my notifications! It ticks all of the boxes for what I love in a cheesy film: it’s funny, it has an amazing cast and it’s LGBTQ+! There are so few of these kinds of films so I was beyond happy to see this!

I’ll probably do a little wrap-up post of this at the end to let you know what I thought!

Becoming

Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connection with others as she tours with “Becoming”.

I had been hoping that Michelle Obama’s book would become a documentary! It was such an interesting look into what she’d been through up until this point. I’ve always thought she was an incredible woman who had a great sense of humour and made an awesome First Lady. If only she and Barack were still in the White House! Nobody is perfect but yeah…

Something had been missing when I read her book and that was seeing it on screen. There’s only so much my imagination can do!

Five Feet Apart

A teen with cystic fibrosis shakes up her daily routine and challenges hospital protocol when she falls for a fellow patient.

Alright…so this one is a little bit of a cheat.

I’ve already the book, seen the film and have this on DVD. It’s just such a heart-warming/heart-destroying film that I didn’t think I’d fall for so hard. The reason why I’m watching it again is pretty obvious: we’re all having to keep at least six feet apart right now and this was my attempt at being funny! Haha!

Plus Cole Sprouse is so good in this!!

The Sun Is Also A Star

Sparks fly between romantic Daniel and science-minded Natasha, high schoolers who have hours to fall in love before she’s forced to leave the country.

Another film that was a book first!

This was a book that I couldn’t really figure out when I first read it. I’m not entirely sure what didn’t sit right with me but I finished feeling disappointed. Maybe I didn’t get it for some reason? That’s why I’m hoping watching the film will let me give it another chance.

If I like the film, then I’ll give the book another shot!

TV Shows/Documentaries

Hollywood

In post-World War II Hollywood, an ambitious group of aspiring actors and filmmakers will do almost anything to make their showbiz dreams come true.

Two words: Darren Criss!!

This guy deserves every award under the sun for the performances he has been giving! I’m so happy that he got recognised for ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ and it’s quickly becoming obvious that Darren and Ryan Murphy are a powerful force!

Darren has that kind of face that fits well with any era! Modern or past! He’s even the face of the poster on the Netflix website! It’s so cool and I’m really excited to sit down and watch.

Sweet Magnolias

Lifelong friends Maddie, Helen and Dana Sue lift each other up and they juggle relationships, family and careers in the small, Southern town of Serenity.

I’ve always had a thing for these kinds of TV shows. I guess growing up in the 90s with shows like Gilmore Girls, Sex in the City and Friends has an effect on you. Plus I’m at that age now where I’m going through some of the same problems these women are.

That makes me feel so old!!

Sometimes you just need a show that makes you feel good about yourself. It doesn’t start until 19th May so you’ve got plenty of time to decide if this is your kind of show.

The Hollow (Season 2)

After discovering the truth behind the Hollow, friends Adam, Mira and Kai must face their fears and tackle even bigger challenges together.

You knew I had to have at least one thing on this list that showed I’m still a big kid! If you haven’t watched The Hollow, then you have to check it out on the Childrens tab. It actually keeps you guessing right until the final episode. I love watching cartoons and anime as a guilty pleasure and just being distracted.

I didn’t even know that there was going to be a Season 2 until writing this post! It’s coming out on Friday too!!

It’s May 1st and, like everyone, I’m missing my friends and family. Having to social distance away from them is difficult even for someone with social anxiety. It’s true what they say: you really don’t miss what you have until it’s gone. So many people are having to celebrate important days away from each other: birthdays, anniversaries, births and more.

That’s why showing how you care can be so important.

There are so many ways you can show someone how you feel. By this point we’re pros at showing our key workers how much we appreciate them! There are loads of windows around the UK decorated with rainbows, pictures and we’ve been applauding every Thursday.

We’ve even been sending each other gifts from our Amazon wishlists to make someone’s day a little lighter. We’re literally hugging each other from a social distance. I’ve been trying to buy a few little things from Etsy to help support any small businesses. While on there, I discovered that people have been making cards and little gifts for people.

I had to share some of my favourites from the site! If you love, please feel free to support and buy.

If there’s anything I know about nurses, it’s that they have one crazy sense of humour. My mum was one for over 40 years and she had the best humour! It’s really a case of laughing or crying sometimes. When I saw this mug, I got a massive grin on my face.

It’s just so quirky and not what you’re expecting!

Plus it would be great to give to a nurse who has a magical personality! Haha!

I’ve never known Disney parks all over the world being closed for anything other than hurricanes, but we now we’ve had all this. It’s something to gift someone who is in the know and wants something to wear in future. Nothing like saying we kept Mickey and everyone safe from the world!

The UK may have entered ‘British Summer Time’, but it’s still spring in my books and that means I can still type these kinds of posts! I’ve heard the word Hygge (pronounced ‘Hoo-ga) mentioned quite a lot over the years.

There’s a famous book called The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living that I know a bunch of my friends have read. I did try to read the book back then but I just couldn’t get into it. I might have to find an e-book version and give it another go.

If you’ve never heard of Hygge before, it’s basically the Danish word for being all cosy and content. We all need times when we can be both those things and that’s why it’s important that your home reflects that!

Hands up who actually does their deep cleaning during Spring?

I wouldn’t say that I deep-clean because there’s only so much I can do, but I do like to be tidier! A tidy place tends to trigger me much less than one covered in dishes and dusty. I’ll admit that the word cosy immediately makes me think of winter but it can be any season. You just have to tweak things! As you can see from the title of the post, I’m going to be chatting about the little things you can do to your home this season.

Don’t be afraid to be cosy when the sun is shining

As much as we’d love to be walking everywhere and anywhere, we’re all going to be home-birds for a little bit more. There’s no rule that cosy is only a cold-weather thing. It can totally be an all-year-round thing if you want it to be. Whatever makes you feel all content is perfect!

Do you like opening your windows? Do it!

Love fresh flowers in the kitchen? Put them there and enjoy!

Wherever the sun is shining, grab a chair or even sit on the floor and read. You can make yourself a little picnic and enjoy the birdsong!

Let plants be your new friend

You don’t have to look on Pinterest long to see pin after pin of homes with plants. I was always brought up with at least one plant in either the living room or kitchen. They give the room a real fresh feel and apparently they give that area more oxygen!

Nothing like a fun plant to help you out!

Not entirely sure what plants are the best so maybe you guys can help me out there.

Throw out all that clutter

As I mentioned, clutter doesn’t make any happy.

We probably wish that magic existed and that all of it would disappear if we looked at it hard enough. Unfortunately not the case right now. We all have to do it the old fashioned way: good ol’ elbow grease! If we’re going to be at home more, might as well be happy about it. You don’t have to go crazy…just throw the items that give you no joy and you’ll feel much calmer.

Let there be light

The sun is shining, people!

Spring comes with it every now and again so we can all feel the hygge of feeling on our skin. However, that’s not the only kind of light your home can get! What I mean is swapping the dark winter items for more colourful, lighter ones. You can swap heavy knit blankets for blush pink throws on your bed, use happier cushions on your sofa and even break out the floral prints!

Have frames you’re not sure what to do with? Print out/order from Etsy a gorgeous print to fill it. I may or may not be obsessed with looking at lamb photography. They’re just so cute!!

Burn a fresh candle

Last year was the first time I had burned a vegan soy candle and I loved it! I actually still haven’t finished it but it’s definitely on the last legs! I’m hoping to use the little container for some flowers when it’s done. I haven’t gotten a spring-scented candle as of yet since I haven’t had the chance to properly look. I have heard some great things about the Diptyque Mini Freesia Candle (£27)!

We’re 5 weeks into this total lockdown and I’ve really started to notice some frustrating habits that have developed during this.

I mean…my brain has always been a bit foggy and weird, but it’s actually been extra annoying over the last month and a bit. It helps that we’re all in the same boat so probably share some of these habits.

If you feel how I do, let me know so we can rant about it together!

Awful Concentration

I always thought I had pretty decent concentration considering what my head goes through but that is non-existent right now. I have never known it to be as bad as this. I’ve been trying to keep things as normal as they were before and it just isn’t happening. The one area I’ve really noticed this is writing blog posts!

I have so many ideas that I want to write and, every time I sit down to type one out, I’m left staring at my screen. It is really starting to annoy me and it’s a surprise that I’ve even managed to type this one. I guess I understand that we’re all going through an extremely rare situation and that will have a big impact. I just wish that it gave me a break every now and again.

It’s not just blog writing. I have awful concentration when it comes to reading too! *sob*

Even less sleep

Sleep has forever been a thorn in my side.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve struggled sleeping whether from nightmares or over-thinking. As I’ve gotten older, insomnia has become my partner in crime and has been walking around my flat at all hours of the morning. I’m trying a bunch of different things to make me sleepier but not happening right now.

These days I’m lucky if I get even 4 hours sleep. It doesn’t help that my neighbours drive me around the bend with music and fighting, but my brain just won’t switch off! I’ve tried writing things down, turning my phone off, listening to music and pillow sprays…nothing.

If anyone has any ideas, I’d love to hear them. I need all the help I can get.

Snacking

Okay, due to have a binge-eating disorder, snacking is one of the frustrating habits I’ve had for a while. (Don’t worry…I’m seeing a clinic to help me figure this out!)

The more I think about it, the more I’m starting to realise I snack to keep control. My life has gone completely out of control due to this stupid virus so eating is the only thing left to me. I snack if I’m bored too, I reckon. Surprisingly my snacks are pretty healthy, such as fruit and coconut yoghurt. It’s just the frequency of when I have them.

I’m trying to drink more to see if that curbs the craving but no luck as of yet.

Irritation

This is one of the few times that I’m actually glad that I live on my own.

My mum could have vouched that I have a bit of a temper when I have things on my mind. It might surprise you but I think that’s just my Irish side coming out! In normal circumstances I can only rage and rant internally and keep from people seeing how irritated I am. However I’ve noticed how easily irritated I’ve been these last few weeks.

Sun blazing through my window? GAH.

Birds tweeting too loudly? SHUT UP!

Accidentalily scratching myself with a sharp nail? WHY?!

It’s no surprise that I’m getting more and more grey hairs! I bet I’ll be more grey than brown by the end of this! Haha!

Crying

Out of all these frustrating habits, crying isn’t that much of a surprise.

On a lot of my school reports I was told that I’m a little sensitive. That I would cry over little things and that I had to try and toughen myself up a bit. Considering that I was bullied horrendously through school, I think they should have picked on why I cried so much.

Zipping forward to present day, it’s also no surprise that I’m crying more.

I’m stressed!!

If I wasn’t already on medication for my mental health, then I would be yelling at my GP to put me on some as soon as possible. The last time I cried was last Friday when my antidepressants didn’t come up with the rest of my repeat prescription. I thought I wouldn’t get any for the next 4 days, the lady on 111 kept asking why I couldn’t have family fetch them for me from Tesco and my anxiety was already through the roof.

I broke.

It’s all sorted now thankfully (at least for this month) but I expect I’ll have more days when I’ll be a sobbing mess.

One post that I’ve seen so many people posting lately are what they’ll be doing after the lockdown. I think it’s the only thing keeping us sane right now. I don’t think we’ll be taking for granted the freedom we’ll have after things goes relatively back to normal. Don’t think that things will go straight back to normal. It’s going to take a long time for the world but we will!

So many ideas are going through my head about what I want to do.

Some of them are probably not going to happen for a while because money, but anything to keep me distracted is a plus in my books!

Book spa treatments

I haven’t had any kind of spa treatment this down but I reckon I’m going to need them! I already know that I’m going to look like Robin Williams in Jimanji! Bushy eyebrows, cracked hands and everything else you can imagine. The idea of being able to get my eyebrows threaded, nails done and a manicure/pedicure sounds like bliss! I really hope that my hands can hold out for the next couple of months!

Go to an exercise class

I had put off going to a class at my local gym due to my anxiety. That’s going to change after lockdown!! Not being able to go out and exercise properly has been awful! I’ve been trying to walk around my neighbourhood but there’s only so much you can do when dodging people!

Does anyone feel so rude doing that?!

I really want to do a yoga class! My body is going to need a good stretch!

Hug someone

Do you want to hear something sad? I haven’t hugged anyone in over 9 months, maybe more. I don’t like random hugs. That said I do like hugs! If you’ve met me, you’ve probably had a hello/goodbye hug! You don’t know what you miss until you can’t do it!

If I see you after this, expect a long hug! I’ll be touch-starved!

Take a day class

Like the whole exercise thing, I haven’t had the courage to go to a day class.

Stupid anxiety!

Whether it be joining a choir, taking dance classes or even learning a new skill like drawing, I’ll be happy! This whole pandemic thing has taken me far out of my comfort zone so I should be able to face these things! This Hufflepuff will become a Gryffindor when we get released from lockdown!

Visit all my favourite local places

All the businesses I loved to visit will be affected financially so will need all the custom they can get! Places I’ll be checking out are my local vegan place (I miss their sweet potato burger!), an old 1940s tearoom who make the best GF scones and Punnydukes in Matlock!

I bet it’s impossible for even high-street chains, but it’ll be almost fatal for small local businesses! If I can find a way to help them out, I’ll try to find it! For now, I’ll just try to help people who either have an Etsy or an online business!

Just walk

I miss walking without fear!! I want to be able to walk where I want, when I want and for as long as I want. Being restricted is not fun and, if the UK government have any say, then we won’t even be able to walk. Fingers crossed that doesn’t happen!

I can’t wait for the day where I can just go for a walk along my local canal or park, Obviously the weather here is probably go back to winter because of global warming! Haha.

With everyone now focusing a lot on their physical health, we’re all trying to find ways to help our situation. Whether it’s by doing home workouts, yoga or taking vitamins. Even though I take a lot of my medication in pill form, I don’t particularly like taking them. I remember not liking the feeling of them in my mouth and was probably on liquid medication for longer than I should’ve.

One particular thing I take in pill form is my vitamin.

I know I could have a chewy vitamin but haven’t found a flavour I like yet.

When I saw Sophie at Glowsteady’s post about Waterdrop, it had me interested! I’ve heard about vitamin water before (and I love), but I’ve never heard of some different flavours in cube form. I’m such a big kid and love watching the teeny cube fizzing away like a bath bomb! It’s fun!

If you haven’t heard of Waterdrop before, they are little vitamin cubes that you drop into a glass of water and can be focused to tackle certain areas such as:

BOOST – Blackcurrant, Elderflower and Acai

RELAX – Hibiscus, Acerola and Aronia

DEFENCE – Cranberry, Rosehip and Moringa

GLOW – Mango, Cactus Fruit and Artichoke

YOUTH – Peach, Ginger, Ginseng and Dandelion

FOCUS – Lime, Baobab and Acerola

I had the majority except for Defence and Focus! I could’ve done with those two because they’re the ones that I striggle with them the most! Haha! We all could do with a little pickup to kickstart our immune systems a bit more. The stronger they are, the better you’ll do I think!

When any kind of illness is happening, you want to make sure that you’re as fit as you can be to fight it. The same goes for trying to avoiding Coronavirus. We’re staying home, we’re washing our hands and we’re saving lives. Nothing says you can’t attempt to help your body out a little. Every little helps, right? Plus this way we’ll be able to hydrate ourselves!

2 bonuses in 1!

As crazy as it sounds, I struggle to drink a lot of water. Not to say that I don’t drink much because I can drink up to 5 glasses a day. I can just never get up to those 8 glasses that you’re meant to have! Not for want of trying. I even have a daily water intake tracker in my bullet journal to see how much I’ve had in a month. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I’ll hopefully drink some more to keep cool!

It might be April but it’s still early 2020 in my eyes! Seeing as I’ve been watching and re-watching different TV shows/films, it got me wondering: which things are turning 20 this year? You’ve got to love an even number! I did a bit of research and I’m now thoroughly feeling old!

There are 12 things turning 20 that you might be stunned about!

It only feels like yesterday that they were new! Let me know which of these that you remember seeing/owning back in 2000!

Billy Elliot

To this date, Billy Elliot has to be my favourite film of all time!

I had never watched a film like this before and it really hoped up my eyes to what the 80s were like. I never knew boys could be ballet dancers and was only just understanding about LGBTQ+ issues. It is a serious film but it also has the best comedy moments ever!

Every scene that had Jamie Bell and Julie Walters was perfect, grown-up Michael seeing Billy’s dad at the ballet and Billy’s grandma! She was a really funny lady! RIP to Jean Heywood who died last year!

I guess we can even thank the film for bringing us Tom Holland in the West-End cast! Haha!

Gilmore Girls

Now this was a show I couldn’t believe was one of the things turning 20! It doesn’t seem like it was that long since I felt jealous over Rory’s life and was introduced to the gorgeousness that is Jared Padalecki!

I think it feels more recent since we had the slight reboot on Netflix not long ago. That and I’ve clearly surrounded myself with people who love using gifs from it!

Which of the characters were your favourites?

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

This one isn’t so much of a surprise since we’ve been celebrating 20 years of each Harry Potter book every year! What is shocking is that I remember being at my local book shop at midnight waiting to get it!

This was the latest I had ever been out (I was only 13!) and it was amazing!

I wish kids still got the chance to have these midnight book releases! They bring everyone together, young and old! Who else wishes they could go to the Yule Ball? I know we have the Twitter ball every year and that you can see the decorations at WB Studio Tour, but still!

Dora the Explorer

Hola! Can you say ‘old’? Say ‘old’! Good job!

Woooow! I reckon Dora and Boots have aged well over the last two decades! Not only have they had the original series but a follow-on with her cousin and then the feature film last year!

I loved watching this show as a kid, mostly because I was taking Spanish at school and I was able to use this! Oh, and so many funny memes have coming out of this. I remember one back in 2009 where a Kingdom Hearts cosplay group did ‘Sora the Explorer’. It was so fun and had characters such as Naruto, Kaoru and Hikaru from Ouran High School Host Club and more!

Dark Angel

Okay, who remembers this show?! We had Jared in Gilmore Girls and now we have Jensen Ackles in this show! Unless you’ve watched Supernatural you probably don’t know who these actors are but wow! It only lasted 2 years but was worth it!

It was created by James Cameron (director of Terminator and the Avatar films) and was the show I discovered Jessica Alba! It was all about a female super-soldier escaping from her prison and freeing a bunch like her! Very cheesy sci-fi but fun!

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Oh I have so memories of watching this show with Mum! We loved sitting back in the evening and watching it on Living TV! It was a bit graphic for me at times but the catchy theme song, Grissom and the slight crush I had on the DNA specialist Greg!

What? I was 13, okay?! Hormones!

As Told By Ginger

This show!! I still remember the tune to the theme song for this and I loved it! It was my first taste of Nickelodeon and I became obsessed with it since these guys also created The Wild Thornberries! A young girl trying to figure out school life, growing up and wrote a diary? Sounded like my life!

Scary Movie

I’m such a coward when it comes to horror films and have only watched 2 in my life! That’s probably why I loved a parody film like this! It was so stupid but had me in pieces! I can remember being absolute stitches when I saw this for the first time and even have it on DVD!

Can anyone else remember when parody films were everywhere?! We obviously had the Scary Movie franchise but also one about superheroes with Drake Bell!

I might have to watch Scary Movie tonight! Haha!

Charlie’s Angels

The funny thing about this film is that I don’t remember the film as much but I do remember Destiny’s Child! Their song ‘Independent Women’ was just super catchy and massive at the time! I still think it is and who knew Beyonce would become the Queen that she is!

The Emperor’s New Groove

The most underestimated out of the Disney films! I don’t know why more people talk about it! It was so much fun and some of the quotes are still being used to this day!

You only have to have to go on TikTok and you’ll find a bunch of people doing quotes from the film like this!! Gotta love Kronk and Yzma!

The Grinch

Another film that TikTok has covered is The Grinch!! I already loved Jim Carey in this film since we all know how expressive he is as an actor and his take on The Grinch was perfect! You laughed at most of his moments but also couldn’t help but feel sorry for the guy!

Now that we’re on lockdown, people are used his ‘I’m booked’ monologue to chat about what they’re doing in self-isolation! I should do one myself!

The Weakest Link

Before we had Pointless and The Chase, we had Anne Robinson with The Weakest Link! Was I the only one who was a little freaked out by her? I had a teacher at school just like her and I swear I was left traumatised! As I got a bit older, I started to enjoy the show more and felt all accomplished if I got any of the answers right!

If you love Youtube, then you might know that AmazingPhil was actually on the show as a contestant at one point! Who else remembers his long hair days?!

Whether it’s living through a pandemic or battling mental health, it can still almost impossible to find any positives in a difficult situation. Believe me, I’ve been there many, many times. I was even there today. I can’t say that I’ll give any decent tips, but I did want to try and find even one happy thing to appreciate.

It’s not easy.

Something that may be positive for one person might not work for another.

I guess that’s why I love doing list posts because I can work through what’s in my head. It definitely stops me from babbling on! Though I do that too! Haha!

As you can tell from yesterday’s post, I love trying to find ways to help people smile. I’m not a funny person myself so I let happy things do the work for me! Who doesn’t love discovering that there is a ferret called Oliver who goes hiking! The little things, people! Animals are amazing.

Family

This has to be one of the biggest positives of this pandemic.

We’ve always had excuses in the past that we didn’t have any time to really focus on family. Now we don’t have that excuse! We literally have all the time in the world to reconnect with each other again. I’ve heard so many people are playing board games, going on walks and coming up with creative things to do indoors.

However, I know there are way too many families kept apart by the virus. I imagine a positive you could find with this is that we have technology! I know it’s nothing like having the real people there, but you can still connect. Grandparents are reading bed-time stories to kids, families are playing quizzes on Zoom and more.

Who knew we’d feel super lucky for wanting to be online!

Pets

Like I said earlier, animals are amazing!!

If I could be the crazy cat lady from The Simpsons, I would do that in a heartbeat. I really miss having Jewel sleeping on my lap while I read a book or watched Netflix. You never realise just how important pets can be to your mental health until you’re stuck indoors. They can always detect when you are feeling low or are upset.

I had have so many memories of Jewel just appearing at the right time to sit near me. Nothing more relaxing than stroking a cat’s fur.

I’ve seen some really funny TikToks of pets not knowing what to do with their human being there all the time. You get some that are super happy and others that wish you would disappear. Another TikTok trend are owners copying their pets such as looking out the window like their dog or curled up on the sofa like a cat.

How have your pets taken to you being there all day?

Learning/Re-Learning Skills

A great distraction is doing something like a hobby.

The positives of learning/re-learning skills is that they keep your mind busy. That way you have moments where you don’t have to think about the situation you’re in, even if it’s just for a little while. You could try learning a new language, take an online course or pick up a skill you used to do.

I’d love to say that I was a secret artistic genius but I’m a stick-person lady!

If you’re stuck in 12-week isolation, maybe try this! It doesn’t replace the need to go outside but it might pass some time if you enjoy!

You can blame Thomas Sanders for inspiring this post! He had a series called Reasons To Smile that had him talking about all the positive things happening in the world. In times like these, I wanted to try at least help one person smile with some of these stories/videos I’ve found.

If you’re feeling helpless or low, remember that we’re all here for you.

You’re not alone and you will get through this.

I’d love for you guys to share some of your positive stories. I know that I have readers from different countries so share in the comments! Shout out loud about all the good things happening!

I loved this story and it shows just how creative some people can be! A guy called Tim Humpage came up with the idea of dressing up as a cartoon character every day to help children smile! He wanted to use his one exercise a day to help and make a ‘small difference’!

He has!

He’s dressed up as Woody, Dora the Explorer and Fireman Sam! He wants to dress up as Hello Kitty next!

So many people have had to postpone or cancel their weddings/honeymoons. It does get you really feeling for what those couples must be feeling! There was at least one couple who decided to bring their marriage forward and have their wedding somewhere a little different!

Their friend Matt Wilson officiated their wedding from the window of his fourth-floor apartment!

In Texas there is a paramedic called Lauren Smith who wanted a pet that could handle her 12-hour shifts. She discovered that ferrets sleep 18-20 hours a day so in came Oliver!

The reason why she decided to take him hiking?

“He destroyed my couch and I was like, ‘I’ve got to do something to get this energy out of this little critter,’”

Together they have hiked to the top of 11 of Colorado’s peaks and visited 8 National parks! According to Lauren, he loves being outside except for the one time he was bitten by an ant. He sleeps in her hood when he wants a nap and rides in her backpack when tired.

Before the world decided to get sick, a lot of us were focusing on how we could help it feel better.

We started to use less plastic, buy less fast fashion and genuinely listen to Greta Thunberg!

This story about dozens of blue whales returning to those waters just made me smile so wide! I never knew that there had been a whaling ban back in the 80s. Even though it’s taken decades, the whales are coming back! You go, whales! Show the humans who’s boss!

Did you know?

Did you know that Finland has planted 150 million trees per decade! That’s almost 27 trees per person!!

Did you know that Norway became the first country in the world to ban deforestation?

Did you know that India launched a ‘Garbage Cafe’ where people donated rubbish for food? Super handy!

Did you know that there is a new kind of blood test that detect up to 20 different types of cancer?

Did you know Holland has covered hundreds of bus stops with plants where bees can take refuge?

Did you know a German circus has decided to use holographic animals instead of real ones to tackle animal abuse?

Looking out the window these last few days you wouldn’t be surprised to know that it was spring! The sun is shining, the temperature isn’t rock low and, for now, the rain/snow has stopped. I think Mother Nature is giving us a break for a tiny bit since we’re trying not to implode.

I’ve been taking little walks around the courtyard of my apartments and standing on my balcony to enjoy the fresh hair and birdsong. Nature really helps you forget what is going on for a while!

Other than the idiots who have been congreating on beaches and parks in their masses, a lot of us have been trying to stay indoors. The only times I’ve been out out has been to get food and then I rush back to wash my hands. I don’t even want to be out to do that but, with no delivery options and no-one to help, I have no choice. Fingers crossed that we don’t locked in.

In an attempt to keep our spirits up, I’ve been trying to come up with a list of things we can do indoors during Spring. If you have any ideas to add to my list, let me know in the comments. Seeing as we’re going to be in more than out, we need some fun ways to keep us occupied.

Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it

I really need to take my own advice with this. It isn’t that I don’t clean but I don’t think as thorough as I need to be. You don’t have to make or clean in silence! Pop on the radio or Spotify and bob around to it as you brush/wipe.

Pinterest is heaven for people coming up with fun schedules for cleaning. People have come up with lists to help make cleaning simple and fun, especially those of us go don’t think it’s that great. If you have kids, make cleaning a game. Do a ‘Beat The Clock’ thing when they have 20 minutes to pick up things off their floor and put in the right places, putting any dirty laundry in a basket, fold/hang up clothes where they belong and whatever else you can think.

I reckon I have the attention range of a 3 year old so maybe I should do this to myself! Haha!

You can even watch vlogs/hacks of how people clean! It’s strange but they’re actually fun to watch!

Watch some Spring movies

A great way to escape from the madness is to escape to the movies!

Alright, so the cinemas are closed but that just means we can make our mini cinema at home. Grab some of your favourite snacks, that cosy blanket you love and comfy cushions. It’s up to you when you want to watch them whether during the day because of anxiety or at night!

Here are some movies that seem to fit the whole Spring aesthetic:

Bambi

A Bug’s Life

Easter Parade

Mamma Mia

Hop

Mary Poppins

Rise of the Guardians

Springbreakers

Mean Girls

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Do baking

I can’t bake at all but I do love Great British Bake-Off! If you have all the ingredients and tools at home, then try making some fun baked snacks to munch on! They can be healthy or they can be naughty-but-nice! Totally up to you!

I remember making hot crossed buns, scones and chocolate corn-flake bird nests as a kid! Other than the buns, I adored making these at school and being able to take what I made home with me. Apparently I was better than I thought since I did Food Technology but I’m more likely to give food poisoning these days!

Do some season photography

I know this post is about indoor ideas but this idea could be done either from the window or your garden (if you have one).

With the sun out more and days being longer than nights, you can get some incredible shots! There is an amazing guy on TikTok who seems to take creative photos with things you wouldn’t think of! He’s used water, bath bombs and other things.

You can take whatever photos you wish: family (you never know you might want to mark history!), the sky (the clouds look stunning), flowers or any animals you see. I have lots of different birds that sit on the fence and it makes me wish I had a better lens!

Do a nature study

We’re going no-where and I doubt we’ve ever truly taken the time to see what wild-life visits our homes. I’ve watched a show called Springwatch where they’ve done challenges to note down what birds/butterflies we see in our area. Obviously we’re not going to know all the bird types but this is the perfect time to learn a new little skill and you might even enjoy!

Pandemic bird watching!

Try to create new fashion styles

This is when we can use the power of our minds and technology!!

Grab a group of your friends together and do a Google hangout. You can show them what you have to work with and they can help you create a style you might not have thought of. You could all take in turns and then do a little fashion show from the comfort of your home!

About Me

Well hello there! I’m Daisy and I’m a Hufflepuff from the UK! If you haven’t guessed, I’m a massive fan of Harry Potter and some other fandoms including books! I try to raise awareness around mental health through personal experiences with my own quirky sense of humour!